Summarize Written Text in PTE Exam: Renewable Energy Incentives for Households

The Summarize Written Text

In this article, we’re going to provide practice tasks and example responses for Summarize Written Text, along with insights into how to reach higher band scores. Let’s dive into a practical example based on the topic “Renewable Energy Incentives for Households”.

Practice Task: Summarize Written Text – Renewable Energy Incentives for Households

Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence. You have 10 minutes to complete this task. Your response will be judged on the quality of your writing and on how well your response presents the key points in the passage.

Countries around the world are increasingly offering incentives to households that adopt renewable energy solutions such as solar panels, wind turbines, and energy-efficient appliances. These incentives often include tax deductions, rebates, or direct financial aid, and can significantly reduce the upfront costs of installing renewable energy systems. Furthermore, such measures not only benefit individual homeowners by reducing long-term energy expenses, but they also contribute to national goals of reducing carbon emissions and dependence on non-renewable energy sources. As governments continue to expand these programs, experts predict a significant increase in household adoption of clean energy technologies, which will play a key role in tackling climate change.

Example Responses for Different Band Scores

Band 90 Response

Governments worldwide are offering financial incentives to households for adopting renewable energy systems, which help reduce personal costs and contribute to broader goals such as cutting carbon emissions and fostering clean energy adoption.

• Content: Fully captures the main idea of the passage regarding both individual and societal benefits of renewable energy incentives.
• Form: Single sentence with a clear, logical structure; stays within the 5-75 word limit.
• Grammar: Error-free, uses complex sentence structures effectively.
• Vocabulary: Words like “adopting”, “incentives”, “fostering” demonstrate advanced vocabulary.
• Spelling: No spelling errors.

Band 75 Response

Governments provide incentives like tax rebates to encourage households to adopt renewable energy, which reduces costs for individuals and supports national environmental goals.

• Content: Covers most main points but lacks mention of long-term energy savings and global climate change solutions.
• Form: A single coherent sentence within the required length.
• Grammar: Mostly accurate, slightly simpler sentence construction.
• Vocabulary: Precise, though slightly more general than Band 90 response.
• Spelling: Correct.

Band 65 Response

Governments are encouraging households to use renewable energy by offering them rebates and tax benefits, which helps individuals save money and supports environmental policies.

• Content: Highlights key incentives and individual financial benefits but doesn’t mention broader outcomes like climate change or non-renewable dependence.
• Form: Stays within word count limits, though slightly unstructured compared to higher band responses.
• Grammar: Mostly correct but a bit repetitive.
• Vocabulary: Limited variety in word choice.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 50 Response

People can get money from governments if they use renewable energy and this helps the environment.

• Content: Only touches lightly on the main idea and lacks specificity.
• Form: Simple sentence structure but does fit within the word limit.
• Grammar: Basic grammatical accuracy with limited complexity.
• Vocabulary: Lacks variety and does not showcase advanced language.
• Spelling: Accurate.

Vocabulary and Grammar from the Passage

Here are ten key vocabulary words found in the passage, with their respective pronunciations and meanings:

1. Adopt /əˈdɑːpt/ – To start using or follow an idea, method, or energy source.
   Example: Many households are adopting clean energy solutions to save money.

2. Incentives /ɪnˈsɛntɪvz/ – Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
   Example: Financial incentives are essential for motivating people to switch to renewable energy.

3. Rebates /ˈriːbeɪts/ – A partial refund to someone who has paid too much money for something.
   Example: Many countries offer rebates to encourage purchasing energy-efficient appliances.

4. Energy-efficient /ˈɛnərdʒi ɪˈfɪʃənt/ – Using less energy to provide the same level of energy service.
   Example: Energy-efficient homes reduce both costs and environmental impact.

5. Carbon emissions /ˈkɑːrbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, primarily from fossil fuel use.
   Example: Reducing carbon emissions is essential to fighting climate change.

6. National goals /ˈnæʃənəl ɡoʊlz/ – Selected targets set by a government, usually of national importance.
   Example: A country’s national goals may include reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

7. Non-renewable energy /nɒn rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈɛnərdʒi/ – Energy from sources that cannot be replenished on a human timescale.
   Example: Oil and natural gas are types of non-renewable energy.

8. Turbines /ˈtɜːrbaɪnz/ – A machine for producing continuous power driven by wind, water, steam, or gas.
   Example: Wind turbines are commonly used in renewable energy systems.

9. Upfront costs /ʌpˈfrʌnt kɒsts/ – Initial costs paid before the project can start.
   Example: Renewable energy solutions often require high upfront costs, which can be mitigated by rebates.

10. Climate change /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.
    Example: Renewable energy plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change.

Conclusion

The example of a Summarize Written Text task provided above highlights a common trend in the PTE exam: topics on sustainable development and renewable energy. As these issues become more prominent, they are increasingly reflected in test questions. Practicing tasks on “Renewable Energy Incentives for Households” can give you an edge as the topic offers a great opportunity to showcase rich vocabulary, clear structure, and in-depth content. Be sure to continue practicing different types of passages and leave a comment below to share your experiences or ask any further questions.